Rural Economies

Beyond meeting family food and nutritional needs, farmers’ ability to generate income through the sale of their products strengthens family economy. This helps keep farmers on their land. Being financially viable also gives the next generation a chance to continue the family farm tradition. Ultimately, our approach builds a stronger agriculture base for more vibrant rural economies.

We facilitate skills training on post-harvest processing, packaging and quality control, marketing strategies and small-scale business management. With a focus on organic production, farmers are encouraged to learn about accreditation, farmer co-ops and other mechanisms that offer protection as they venture into new markets. Our approach is based on the premise that food security should focus on markets that small-holder farmers can ultimately manage themselves.

We’re called USC Canada because we started out way back in 1945 as the Unitarian Service Committee, founded by the energetic Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova. We’re still planting the seeds that Lotta sowed. Find out more about our founder, Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova.

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